No plans for under-18 curfew, says deputy minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The government today said that it had no intention to impose any curfew hours to keep the children under the age of 18 home at night.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh told the Dewan Negara that a number of activities benefiting these children are still held at night.

“These include tuition classes, extracurricular skills activities as well as prayers. However, it is the responsibility of the parents and local leaders to ensure that these children are not involved in unhealthy activities,” she said.

Yeoh was replying to a question from Senator Asmak Husin who wanted to know if the government intended to impose night curfew hours for teenagers to reduce crime involving them.

She said the first step in addressing this issue would be for the parents to admit that there is a problem in monitoring and controlling their teenage children.

“In certain cases, the parents or guardians may also make a written request to the court for intervention by the Social Welfare Department under Section 46 of the Child Act 2001.

“These roles and responsibilities can be implemented through enforcement by the local authorities, police or community in ensuring that the teenagers do not get involved in unhealthy activities,” she said. -FMT